The ultimate summertime drink, the Moscow Mule, could poison you

The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division recently issued an advisory bulletin to establishments that sell and serve alcoholic beverages, warning them not to use copper mugs.

Moscow Mule cocktails are very popular but the cool copper cup that the drink comes in could make you sick. The cocktail drink only uses a few ingredients namely vodka, lime, ginger beer and ice but it is often served in copper mugs. These items include vinegar, fruit juice and the Moscow mule, the pH level og which falls far below the standard. Officials say mugs that look like copper but are actually stainless steel, nickel, or another metal are safe.

Copper is commonly used for kitchenware like pots and pans, but it can be unsafe.

"The objective of this bulletin is to advise licensees and permittees selling and serving alcoholic beverages in copper mugs of the applicable federal guidance and state regulations regarding the use of copper and copper alloys in contact with food and beverages", the statement reads.

The acid that results from mixing water and carbon dioxide leaches copper from the plumbing components and the leachate is then transferred to beverages, causing copper poisoning. Foods that are acidic (pH lower than 6.0) can corrode the copper and cause the metal alloys to mix in the food or liquids.

Over time, copper exposure can damage liver and kidneys. The symptoms of copper poisoning include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

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